The Nevado Tuco climb is a 3-day, 2-night program from Huaraz to a summit of 5,454 m (17,890 ft) according to our program, at the southern end of the Cordillera Blanca, near the Pastoruri glacier. We leave at 8:00 a.m. by private bus to Pachacoto and the Pumapampa valley, hike to base camp (4,300 m) and set off for the summit at 4:00 a.m. on day 2. It is a glacier climb: you need prior acclimatization, good fitness and technical gear.
- Duration
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Max. altitude
- 5,454 m
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Departs from
- Huaraz, 8:00 a.m. (private bus)
- Price
- Ask for price
Huascarán National Park rules for this climb
The route enters Huascarán National Park through the Pastoruri area. For a 3-day program you buy the 2 to 3-day park ticket: S/ 60 at the general rate for foreign visitors (SERNANP, 2026).
- Climbing must be done through a tourism service provider and with an official, licensed guide. For the park, a mountain guide is someone who holds a mountain guide title from an officially recognized higher-education institution (Jefatural Resolution 196-2006-INRENA, art. 7.1 and 24 b).
- On difficult ascents, a guide may climb with no more than 2 people at a time (art. 25).
- You must register at the control post and carry all your trash out.
Highlights
- A 5,454 m summit (according to our program) in the southern Cordillera Blanca, in the same area as the Pastoruri glacier.
- A short program: 3 days, with two nights at base camp, at 4,300 m.
- Road access from Huaraz via Pachacoto and the Pumapampa valley, home to the giant Puya raimondii plants.
- A 4:00 a.m. summit start, to climb the glacier while the snow is still firm.
Itinerary
- Day 1Huaraz – Pachacoto – Pastoruri – base camp
We leave at 8:00 a.m. by private bus, drive south to Pachacoto and head up the Pumapampa valley toward Pastoruri. From there we hike to base camp, at 4,300 m.
- Day 2Nevado Tuco summit
We start at 4:00 a.m., climb the glacier to the summit of Tuco (5,454 m) and return to base camp.
- Day 3Base camp – Pastoruri – Huaraz
We walk down to the Pastoruri area and drive back to Huaraz by private bus.
Schedule from the agency's program. Walking times depend on the group's pace, the weather and glacier conditions; the guide may change the summit start time or turn the group around for safety.
What's included and not included
What's included
- Private bus Huaraz – Pastoruri – Huaraz
- Mountain guide
Not included
- Huascarán National Park ticket for 2 to 3 days (SERNANP, 2026): S/ 60 at the general rate
- Travel insurance: we recommend one that covers mountain rescue and evacuation
What to bring
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
- Crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet (ask which ones the agency provides)
- Sleeping bag rated below freezing
- Layers: thermal base layer, fleece, down jacket, and waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm hat, thick gloves, buff and glacier sunglasses
- Headlamp with spare batteries: the summit push starts before dawn
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Bottles or a thermos for 2 liters of water, and snacks for summit day
- Passport for the control post
More information
How hard is Nevado Tuco?
The toughest part is the altitude: you sleep at 4,300 m and on summit day you gain more than 1,100 m to reach 5,454 m, on a glacier, with crampons, an ice axe and a rope. The exact technical level changes with glacier conditions each season; tell us about your experience when you book and we will let you know if this peak is right for you.
| Day | Section | Altitude | Schedule or time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huaraz → Pachacoto → Pumapampa valley → Pastoruri (private bus), then hike to base camp | up to 4,300 m | 8:00 a.m. departure |
| 2 | Base camp → Tuco summit → base camp | up to 5,454 m | 4:00 a.m. start |
| 3 | Base camp → Pastoruri → Huaraz (private bus) | 4,300 m down to about 3,050 m | back the same day |
Schedules and altitudes from the agency's program. There is no official published altitude for Tuco, and other sources give different figures.
Requirements: acclimatization, experience and gear
- Acclimatization: arrive in Huaraz at least 3 or 4 days before and do a couple of day hikes, such as Laguna Churup (4,450 m). The CDC recommends that, above 2,750 m (9,000 ft), you raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m (1,600 ft) per day. See our Huaraz acclimatization guide.
- Experience: good fitness and experience on long high-altitude hikes. If you have never used crampons or an ice axe, tell us when you book: we will confirm whether this peak suits you or whether you should start with Vallunaraju.
- Technical gear: crampon-compatible mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet, plus warm layers and a sleeping bag rated below freezing. Which gear the agency provides and what you can rent in Huaraz is confirmed when you book.
- Health: if you have high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems, travel with your medication and a recent medical check-up, and do not take acetazolamide without a prescription (Peru's Ministry of Health).
Best time to climb Tuco
SERNANP recommends visiting the park from May to October, in the dry season. From October to April it rains, and up high that rain falls as snow. For a snow peak, the dry season is the better choice, with more clear days.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to climb Nevado Tuco?
You need good fitness, experience on high-altitude hikes and proper acclimatization. If you have never used crampons or an ice axe, tell us when you book so we can confirm whether this peak suits you.
How many days should I acclimatize first?
We recommend at least 3 or 4 days in Huaraz with a couple of day hikes, such as Laguna Churup, before sleeping at 4,300 m. See our acclimatization guide.
What gear do I need?
Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, warm layers and a sleeping bag rated below freezing. When you book we confirm which gear the agency provides and what you can rent in Huaraz.
When is the best time to climb Tuco?
The dry season: SERNANP recommends visiting the park from May to October. From October to April it rains, and it snows up high.
How many climbers per guide?
Huascarán National Park rules say that on difficult ascents a guide may climb with no more than 2 people at a time (Jefatural Resolution 196-2006-INRENA, art. 25). We confirm the ratio for your group when you book.
How high is Nevado Tuco?
According to our program, the summit is at 5,454 m (17,890 ft). There is no official published figure, and other sources give different altitudes. Base camp is at 4,300 m.
